Sir Alex Ferguson has denied making a bid for Wesley Sneijder, the Holland and Internazionale midfielder, and believes Manchester United will be better equipped to win major trophies next season even if he is inactive in the transfer market.

"I believe the squad is stronger than last season with the younger players having another year under their belts," United's manager said in the Mail on Sunday. "I don't know where those reports about Sneijder came from. How can anybody turn me down when I haven't even made a bid?"

Massimo Moratti, the Inter president, said on Wednesday he had no plans to sell Sneijder while confirming the club had received an approach from Manchester United for the 26-year-old.

Ferguson also denied that he had made overtures to the Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil, who played a central role in the defeat of England in their World Cup second-round game.